Pune: Increase in Cyber Fraud Cases, Citizens Lose Over ₹61 Lakh

Cybercriminals have once again become active in Pune and nearby areas, targeting unsuspecting citizens. In the past few days, seven people have reportedly lost a total of ₹61,15,694 in different online fraud cases.

The biggest case was reported from Sinhagad Road, where a 61-year-old man was cheated of ₹7,21,989. The scammer introduced himself as Devesh Joshi, an employee of MNGL Gas Company, and threatened to disconnect the victim’s gas connection. He sent an APK file and asked the victim to download it. After the file was installed, a payment request of just ₹12 was shown, but shortly after, over ₹7.21 lakh was withdrawn from the victim’s bank account. Parvati Police Station has registered a case, and PSI Shinde is investigating.

Three more cyber fraud cases were reported in Wagholi:

• A 34-year-old man lost ₹3,87,205 to a fake car rental company.

• A 42-year-old man was cheated of ₹6,08,000 under the promise of “earn money by completing tasks.”

• A 31-year-old woman lost ₹4,10,000 after being lured with high stock market returns.

All three cases are registered at Wagholi Police Station, and Crime Branch Inspector Shete is handling further investigation.

In Manjari Budruk, a 57-year-old woman was tricked into share-trading offers and lost ₹26,88,500. A case has been filed at Hadapsar Police Station, where Inspector Jagdale is investigating.

Similarly, a 33-year-old man from Mundhwa was cheated of ₹9,50,000 in the name of stock market investment. PSI Ganesh Pinguvale is investigating the case at Mundhwa Police Station.

In Kondhwa, scammers stole ₹3,50,000 from a trader during a deal to transport 10 sacks of betel nuts to Gujarat. Fursungi Police have filed a case against Toufel Ahmed Khan, owner of Bharat Transport.

Police have appealed to the public to stay cautious and avoid clicking unknown links, downloading APK files, or believing offers promising quick money or high returns. They have urged citizens to verify calls related to banking and services, and to immediately inform Cyber Police in case of suspicious activity.